New park set for development built on site of former Orgreave Colliery

Tess Egginton
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New park set for development built on site of former Orgreave Colliery

Harworth is creating a 20-acre park at its Waverley development built on the site of the former Orgreave Colliery.

Waverley is a growing community with over 1,800 homes, a primary school and a local high street, Olive Lane, alongside the Advanced Manufacturing Park which is home to global businesses.

The creation of Highwall Park – its name a nod to the area’s coal mining history – is one of the final stages in the development of Waverley. Highwall Park will run through the centre of Waverley from Olive Lane to connect with Waverley Lakes. Alongside trees, foliage and ponds which have been designed to attract local wildlife, there will be footpaths for walking, running and cycling, picnic areas, and dedicated sports and play spaces. As master developer of Waverley, Harworth has prepared the brownfield land for the development of the park and is now at the stage of bringing the new green space to life. It has appointed Rotherham-based landscaping specialist, Sky High, to carry out the landscaping. Harworth has worked closely with the local community on the creation of the park. Last year it held a consultation with those living and working at Waverley to gather ideas on how people would like to use the new park, and these have been reflected in the plans for the space. It has also worked closely with key advisors such as Sheffield Hallam University and landscape designers PWP. The park will be developed in three phases, and the intention is for the first to open to the community later this year. Peter Massie, national director of development and residential sector lead at Harworth, said: “Our vision for Waverley has always included a vibrant green space at the heart of the development where those living and working here can come together to socialise, exercise and enjoy the great outdoors and local wildlife. “We’ve been working hard over the last year to prepare this complex brownfield site for the creation of the new park. We’re pleased to be at the stage of working with Sky High to get the park ready for the community to enjoy.” Luke Hammill, managing director at Sky High Trees & Grounds Maintenance Services, said: “As a local business, we are proud to be playing a role in the creation of Waverley and it is excellent to be delivering such a brilliant new space for the community. At Sky High we are committed to delivering industry-leading landscape projects and we look forward to doing so at Highwall Park.”

Rotherham’s £11m funding boost for new railway station

April Lara
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Rotherham’s £11m funding boost for new railway station

A new railway station in Rotherham is set to advance with a £11.35 million investment approved by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) on June 24. This funding will allow Rotherham Council to proceed with the detailed design, land acquisition, and procurement process for the “Rotherham Gateway” station, marking a significant step in the town’s regeneration efforts.

The station will connect Rotherham to the national rail network for the first time in decades, positioned on the mainline between Sheffield and Leeds/Doncaster. The project includes two layout options, one featuring two platforms and the other four, alongside a tram-train stop to improve links with Parkgate and Sheffield.

The full scheme is projected to cost between £133 million and £167 million and forms part of broader regeneration plans, including new commercial spaces, green infrastructure, 250 new homes, and a revitalised public realm. A further £10 million from the Town Deal Programme will assist with land acquisition and planning.

Rotherham Council anticipates the station and its surrounding developments will create over 400 jobs and deliver more than £113 million in economic benefits over the next 30 years. The station is expected to open by late 2030, contingent on further approvals, with transport modelling indicating improved journey times for new passengers.

University of Bradford faces strike action over £16m cost-saving measures

April Lara
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University of Bradford faces strike action over £16m cost-saving measures

University of Bradford staff are set to stage ten days of industrial action starting next week, in response to the institution’s plans to cut £16m in costs. The proposed measures include job cuts and the closure of several courses.

The University and College Union (UCU) has confirmed that its members will walk out on Monday, with additional strike dates planned through July. The union has warned of prolonged disruption unless the university revises its plans.

The UCU claims that more than 450 jobs are at risk, including positions in disciplines such as archaeology, forensic science, biomedical sciences, psychology, and public health. Additionally, the university is considering closing courses in chemistry and film and television.

The strike follows a vote in favour of industrial action, with 67% of UCU members backing the move. Strike action is set to continue with additional walkouts scheduled for 7th, 8th, 10th, and 11th July, followed by a five-day strike from 21st to 25th July.

The university has acknowledged the right of staff to take industrial action but expressed its aim to minimise disruption for students. It also emphasised that, like many UK institutions, it is facing significant financial pressures and must make difficult decisions to secure its long-term future.

New airbase in North Yorkshire to enhance Yorkshire Air Ambulance services

April Lara
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New airbase in North Yorkshire to enhance Yorkshire Air Ambulance services

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has received approval for a new airbase in Skipton-on-Swale, North Yorkshire, which will provide a permanent operational hub for the service. Previously located at RAF Topcliffe, the new facility will feature crew accommodation, a simulation suite, and a clinical planning room, all of which will support the charity’s life-saving operations across the region.

The site, which the RAF used during World War II, has remained inactive since 1950. The YAA aims to move into the facility by summer 2026, marking a significant milestone in its long-term planning. The airbase, a multi-million-pound project, will be funded through a combination of savings, grants, private donations, and philanthropic contributions.

This strategic relocation is expected to enhance the YAA’s capacity to respond more effectively to emergencies, with improved infrastructure for both staff and operational planning. The new airbase complements the charity’s existing air support unit in Nostell, near Wakefield, further strengthening its emergency response capabilities across Yorkshire.

Dotty Bridal navigates expansion with Wakefield Waterfront move

Tess Egginton
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Dotty Bridal navigates expansion with Wakefield Waterfront move
Dotty Bridal has secured a five-year lease at Navigation Warehouse on Wakefield’s Waterfront, marking a major milestone in the brand’s expansion. The deal, facilitated by City & Provincial Properties and Fox Lloyd Jones, provides the bridal boutique with a self-contained 16,623 sq ft space, setting the stage for its next phase of growth. After years of success in Holmfirth, Dotty Bridal has outgrown its original boutique and is relocating to Navigation Warehouse to accommodate increasing demand. Neighbouring the Tileyard North development, Navigation Warehouse sits in the creative hub on Wakefield’s Waterfront. Tileyard North is set to become the largest creative community outside London, offering state-of-the-art recording studios, content spaces, offices, and event venues. Shannon Martin of Dotty Bridal said: “I’m absolutely thrilled for Dotty Bridal to be joining the incredible Waterfront community within the stunning Navigation Warehouse building. We’ve spent the last two years searching for the perfect new home for Dotty and the moment I walked into this space, I knew it was the one. “It’s full of character, energy, and the kind of atmosphere that makes magic happen. We’re so excited to bring our Dotty touch to this iconic building and proud to now be the biggest bridal boutique in the UK. This is a huge moment for us, and we can’t wait to welcome our brides into something truly special.” Harry Finney, associate director at Fox Lloyd Jones, said: “Securing Navigation Warehouse for Dotty Bridal represents an exciting chapter not only for the brand, but for Wakefield’s Waterfront as a whole. “The listed building offers the perfect canvas for Dotty Bridal to accommodate growing demand and expand their services. We’re proud to have facilitated a deal that will underpin their ambition to become the UK’s leading bridal boutique, while also contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the Waterfront.” Louisa Brooks of City & Provincial Properties said: “With the expansion at Navigation Warehouse, Dotty Bridal is not only transforming its own brand but also contributing to the growth and vibrancy of Wakefield Waterfront’s creative and retail community.” Fox Lloyd Jones and CBRE are the joint letting agents for Navigation Warehouse.

Filtronic “delighted” with “strong trading performance”

Tess Egginton
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Filtronic “delighted” with “strong trading performance”

Filtronic, the designer and manufacturer of advanced RF solutions for the space, aerospace and defence, and telecoms infrastructure markets, has seen revenue soar – surpassing market expectations.

According to a trading update for the financial year ended 31 May 2025 (FY2025), revenue is expected to come in at £56.3m, growing from £25.4m in the year prior. Meanwhile, the firm is anticipating an adjusted EBITDA of no less than £16.6m (FY2024: £4.9m). 

The results follow multiple increases in expectations over the course of the financial year.

Nat Edington, CEO, said: “We are delighted with this strong trading performance, demonstrating our ability to ramp quickly and respond to market needs. This has positioned us well with our lead customer where there is strong alignment on rapid execution.

“We look forward to FY2026 with further optimism as we continue to invest in the business and capitalise on the expanding market opportunity in front of us.

“The focus will be on broadening the customer base, completing key technology developments and relocating our state-of-the-art manufacturing site in Sedgefield to a new facility at the same science park, doubling our operational footprint by doing so.”

Econ Engineering strengthens support for Armed Forces community

April Lara
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Econ Engineering strengthens support for Armed Forces community

Econ Engineering, based in North Yorkshire, has demonstrated its commitment to the Armed Forces community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant. This move solidifies the company’s ongoing pledge to ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for veterans, serving personnel, and their families in areas such as employment, housing, and healthcare.

By signing the Covenant during Armed Services Week, which runs from June 22 to 28, Econ Engineering has taken a step that reflects its longstanding support for the Armed Forces. The company has previously employed many individuals who have served in various military capacities, both in the regular forces and reserves.

As part of the Covenant, Econ Engineering has committed to supporting its Armed Forces employees by providing guaranteed interviews for veterans who meet the job selection criteria, accommodating employees who are members of the Reserve forces during training and deployments, and inviting cadets to explore potential career opportunities within the industry.

The company has also pledged to offer two weeks of paid leave for employees who are deployed, a benefit not commonly found in many businesses. Econ’s involvement with the Armed Forces Covenant underscores its commitment to supporting military personnel and their families, ensuring they are treated fairly in the workplace.

Econ Engineering’s decision to sign the Covenant aligns with the two key principles of ensuring no disadvantage for Armed Forces personnel and offering special consideration for those who have sacrificed the most, including the injured and bereaved.

Gear4Music reports growth following competitor acquisitions

April Lara
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Gear4Music reports growth following competitor acquisitions

Gear4Music, the listed musical instrument retailer, has posted a positive financial performance for the year ending 31 March 2025, driven by strategic acquisitions and growth in its UK market. The company’s revenue reached £146.7m, up from £144.4m in the previous year, with profit before tax increasing to £1.6m, compared to £600,000 in 2023/24.

The growth was further bolstered by the company’s recent acquisition of the assets of two competitors, S & T Audio Ltd (PMT) and GAK.co.uk Ltd, both of which had entered administration earlier in the year. These acquisitions have allowed Gear4Music to strengthen its market position in a consolidating UK market.

In addition to these acquisitions, the company reported a rise in EBITDA to £10m, from £9.4m the previous year, and a reduction in net debt, following cost-cutting measures and the relaunch of its Growth Strategy in June 2024.

Since mid-March 2025, Gear4Music has seen a return to double-digit sales growth, with increasing sales momentum and improving gross margins. The company is optimistic about its performance for the year ending 31 March 2026, with expectations now higher due to the positive impact of its revised strategy and the enhanced competitive landscape following the competitor failures.

The company operates from its head office in York, with distribution centres across Europe and showrooms in the UK, Sweden, and Germany.

Mayor gives update on investment decision for Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Tess Egginton
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Mayor gives update on investment decision for Doncaster Sheffield Airport
South Yorkshire’s mayor, Oliver Coppard, has given an update on the latest progress with Doncaster Sheffield Airport, confirming that a key investment decision is due to be made in early September. It comes as additional assurance work is underway to support consideration of the South Yorkshire City Airport investment proposal, and as a leading international aviation consultancy has been brought in to take a fresh look at the traffic forecasts and financial modelling developed in 2023. It also follows constructive conversations with the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority around the reinstatement of airspace for DSA. Speaking at the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board Annual General Meeting, Oliver Coppard said: “I want to take a moment to update the Board on where we are with Doncaster Sheffield Airport, and the significant progress we’ve made over the past few months. “Back in February, we agreed as a Board to commission additional assurance work to support our consideration of the South Yorkshire City Airport investment proposal. That work is now well underway. “We’ve brought in a leading international aviation consultancy to take a fresh look at the traffic forecasts and financial modelling developed in 2023. Doncaster Council is working closely with our advisors, as you would expect, to ensure those forecasts are up to date and grounded in the latest data – so that when we make our final decision, we do so with the best possible information in front of us, available to all of us around this table. “Alongside that, we’ve engaged a top-tier development agency to help us shape a masterplan for the wider Gateway East development. It isn’t just about reopening an airport – it’s about unlocking the potential of that whole site as a hub for advanced technology and innovation as a means to creating thousands of jobs and opportunities. The work is helping us understand the scale of that opportunity and the investment needed to unlock it. “We’re also looking closely at the wider picture: how people will get to and from the airport, the underlying headlease for the land, and the skills and employment opportunities it could create. An equalities impact assessment is part of that work too – because we absolutely want to ensure the project delivers for everyone in South Yorkshire. “We’re on track, and I can confirm that we expect to be in a position to make an investment decision in early September. “While that assurance work continues to build confidence through the summer, we’re also working closely with the government through the DSA working group. The level of engagement we’ve had across our key workstreams has been unprecedented; I think it’s fair to say. I’m really grateful to the government for that. “We’ve had constructive conversations with the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority around the reinstatement of airspace for DSA. The Secretary of State’s decision not to call in the airspace application means the CAA can now move more quickly – which is welcome – and we’ve been assured that this won’t delay our plans. “In April, we welcomed the Prime Minister to DSA, where he announced £30 million of newly available funds to support the airport’s reopening. He said: “We are backing the region as a sustainable aviation hub in South Yorkshire and giving lift-off for growth here in Doncaster.” That commitment was reaffirmed in the Chancellor’s Spending Review. “I’m grateful to Rachel in particular, who has offered her full support, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Heidi Alexander for their continued support in helping us get this over the line. “We’re working as hard – and as fast – as we can to build the strongest possible case for a positive decision in early September. “I recognise people are frustrated by that timeline. I get that. But we have to get it right – it’s £150m of taxpayers’ money. We want to work through all the processes, protect taxpayers’ money and make sure the project succeeds. “That is my commitment. If we don’t prepare properly, we’ll prepare to fail, and I won’t take that risk. There are many opportunities that will be unlocked from jobs and growth that will allow people in South Yorkshire to stay near and go far. We have to make sure we get it right the first time.” City of Doncaster Council’s mayor Ros Jones added: “Thank you Oliver for providing an update in relation to the proposed timeline and for the commitment to the investment decision to be taken in early September. I must emphasise the importance of the Gainshare decision in early September and swift release of Gainshare funding alongside the £30m from Government that the Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced in April. “We are at a critical point, where we need this certainty of funding in order to continue our plans to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport. We need the certainty to progress with our Airspace, sign-up airlines and freight providers and employ and train the hundreds of staff required to operate an airport. “Whilst we acknowledge that this is public money and the need for due diligence, we are pleased that Oliver has signalled that the assurance work continues to build confidence over the summer and that he has committed that the decision in early September will be the final decision on Gainshare.”

Manufacturing output weakens in three months to June

Tess Egginton
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Manufacturing output weakens in three months to June
Manufacturing output volumes fell in the quarter to June, at a similarly steep pace to the three months to May, according to the CBI’s latest monthly Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). Looking ahead, however, firms anticipate that the pace of decline will slow over the three months to September. Total and export order books remained weak in June, with both balances broadly unchanged from last month and below their long-run averages. Manufacturers indicated that stock adequacy for finished goods fell slightly relative to May, with the balance dipping below the long-run average. Expectations for selling price inflation eased this month relative to May but remain above the long-run average. The survey, based on the responses of 335 manufacturers, found:
  • Output volumes fell at a steep pace in the three months to June, broadly similar to May (weighted balance of -23%, from -25% in the quarter to May). Manufacturers expect output volumes to decline at a slower pace in the three months to June (-5%).
  • Output decreased in 14 out of 17 sub-sectors in the three months to June, with the decline driven by the chemicals, metal products and mechanical engineering sub sectors.
  • Total order books were reported as below “normal” in June (-33% from -30% in May). The level of order books remained significantly below the long-run average (-14%).
  • Export order books were also below “normal” and broadly unchanged from last month (-26% from -29%). The balance stood below the long-run average (-18%).
  • Expectations for average selling price inflation eased in June (+19% from +26% in May) but remained above the long-run average (+7%).
  • Stocks of finished goods were reported as more than “adequate” in June (+6% from 10% in May), but the balance fell below the long-run average (+12%).
Ben Jones, CBI lead economist, said: “The UK’s manufacturing sector is under significant pressure, contending with high energy costs, rising labour costs, pervasive skills shortages, and a volatile global economic environment. With departmental budgets now set following the Spending Review, businesses are looking to the government to dismantle barriers to growth ahead of the Autumn Budget. “Welcome progress has been made with the recent infrastructure and industrial strategies setting a clear long-term economic vision for the UK. This is complemented by a US-UK trade deal expected to mitigate tariff uncertainty, especially for automotive and aerospace, and British Steel’s agreement to provide 337,000 tonnes of rail track for Network Rail. “With long-term strategies presented, the government must now continue to back up its ambitions with short-term delivery. This includes rolling out welcome energy cost interventions as soon as possible; delivering on Growth and Skills Levy flexibility; and pushing technology adoption to boost productivity. “Businesses are ready to work in partnership to translate long-term ambitions into near-term investments, job creation and opportunities.”
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